Keeping your air quality clean is a big reason to keep your carpets cleaned on a regular basis. Even more importantly, keeping your air ducts clean can make a world of difference in the effects your home has on your health.

Indoor Pollution

The pollutants of indoor air have been ranked among the top 5 environmental public health risks. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air indoors is usually 2 to 5 times as polluted as that outside. In rare cases, it can even be as much as 100 times as dirty. Air ducts collect as much as 40 pounds of dirt and dust on average each year according to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. This prevents the air quality from reaching optimum cleanliness and allows dust mites, other insects, bacteria, fungus and mold to thrive within the ducts. Because of this, the time you spend indoors in such conditions may be just as dangerous as the exposure you have outside to smokestacks, car exhaust and other forms of pollution.

The Health Effects of Poor Air

The health effects from air pollutants inside the home can be experienced immediately after exposure or even years later. Effects that show up quickly may occur after just one exposure to pollutants, but it often takes frequent encounters. Immediate symptoms may include itchiness or irritation of the eyes, nose and throat along with fatigue, headaches and dizziness. The effects of certain conditions may be exacerbated by low quality air including asthma, sinus infections, pneumonia, cold and flu. Mold, fungus, bacteria and viruses are easily circulated from one room to the next through the air ducts, and this passes illness on to other inhabitants of the home.

The Costs of Dirty Ducts

You may not realize that cluttered and polluted air ducts can also cost you money. Over time, the dust buildup hinders the abilities of the heating and cooling system to work at peak efficiency, and this adds to higher energy costs. More extreme build up may lead to irreparable damage that will require a total replacement of the vent system. The following conditions may indicate when your ducts need cleaning:

Dirty vent covers

Noticeable filtration lines on ceilings and walls

Excessive dust around the home

Water damage

A complete duct cleaning treatment will include the blower, evaporator coil and other main components. Ensure your ventilation system is treated the right way for the health of everyone in your home.